HomeServiceContract.org Should Be First Stop for New Homeowners

National Home Service Contract Association offers helpful tools allow consumers to select the most reputable providers of home service contracts.

(Lenexa, KS)  Contracts are only as dependable as the providers behind them. The members of the non-profit trade association, National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA,) are the leaders and professionals in the home service contract industry trusted to serve millions of consumers each year.

NHSCA members are registered and are easily identified through a NHSCA Company Code number and use of the NHSCA logo. Links to individual websites may be found on the NHSCA website at www.homeservicecontract.org  These are providers who adhere to a code of ethics and actively work with state regulators to protect consumer interests.

In 2015, the state of New Jersey filed charges against Stanley Safe Club or Stanley Warranty alleging the company and its owner defrauded consumers in New Jersey and other states. The alleged violations include: conducting business under the name “Stanley Warranty” when the company sells residential and motor vehicle service contracts; advertising and representing that consumers can call the company’s claims department 24 hours a day and that the company has more than 90,000 service providers, when it does not; continuing to charge consumers after they cancelled service contracts; and failing to respond to consumer inquiries for several weeks, if at all.

In another 2015 case, Edison New Jersey based CHW Group, Inc., which does business as Choice Home Warranty, agreed to pay the State $779,913.93 in a lawsuit filed against them. The state alleged the company enticed consumers to buy so-called comprehensive coverage for crucial home systems and appliances and then denied their claims using alleged deceptive practices. As part of the settlement, the company also agreed to revise its business practices and retain a compliance monitor for at least a year.

Neither company is a member of the NHSCA.

“No matter what the industry, there will always be companies that operate beyond the law and fail to meet their obligations,” Art Chartrand, legal counsel for the NHSCA, said. “One of our primary missions is to educate and inform homeowners about home service contracts so that expectations can be met fairly. At the NHSCA, we work directly with state regulators and have a near constant presence in each state capital to protect consumers and provide fair and honest competition.”

The home service contract industry has a strong reputation and long history of serving consumers. As with any industry, not all companies grow and flourish. Selecting a NHSCA member company provides added security with the knowledge that your contract provider meets certain criteria that will help ensure they will be there when you need them. Using a non-NHSCA member is a risk consumers do not need to take. Consumers may locate NHSCA members operating in their state by visiting www.homeservicecontract.org/state-associations

The New Jersey Home Service Contract State Association was formed as a division of the National Home Service Contract Association and represents the premier and most respected providers of home service contracts in New Jersey. It provides news, information, education, regulation and legislation resource for the industry.

Here are a few items to consider when selecting your contract provider:

  • If the price or benefits sound too good to be true – you know it likely will be. Visit the NHSCA website and contact a member in your state to compare price and benefits.
  • Ask your local REALTOR®. Nobody is more familiar with or understands the industry better. They work with home service contract providers on a daily basis and can offer knowledgeable guidance.
  • If despite your best efforts, your provider disappears or fails to perform, contact a member of the NHSCA to replace your coverage. Competitive members operate in all states and are ready, willing and above all, able to offer you a service contract on your house.

Home service contracts are optional contracts that provide consumers with a single point of contact for most household appliances and systems. A call to an 800 number dispatches a screened,  licensed and qualified local contractor to your home. This eliminates having to shop-around or price compare at what could be a very stressful time. With one call, consumers receive the service, repair or replacement needed to keep their home running smoothly.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. To learn more about the NHSCA and to find answers to the most common questions regarding the purchase of home service contracts, visit www.homeservicecontract.org    or call 913-871-5600.

#11

 

 

 

 

Helpful tools allow consumers to select the most reputable providers of home service contracts.

(Lenexa, KS – July 14, 2015)  Contracts are only as dependable as the providers behind them. The 15 members of the non-profit trade association, National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA,) are the leaders and professionals in the home service contract industry trusted to serve millions of consumers each year.

NHSCA members are registered and are easily identified through a NHSCA Company Code number and use of the NHSCA logo. Links to individual websites may be found on the NHSCA website at www.homeservicecontract.org/contact-nhsca-members. These are providers who adhere to a code of ethics and actively work with state regulators to protect consumer interests.

In the last few weeks the state of New Jersey filed charges against Stanley Safe Club or Stanley Warranty alleging the company and its owner defrauded consumers in New Jersey and other states. The alleged violations include: conducting business under the name “Stanley Warranty” when the company sells residential and motor vehicle service contracts; advertising and representing that consumers can call the company’s claims department 24 hours a day and that the company has more than 90,000 service providers, when it does not; continuing to charge consumers after they cancelled service contracts; and failing to respond to consumer inquiries for several weeks, if at all.

In another case, Edison New Jersey based CHW Group, Inc., which does business as Choice Home Warranty, agreed last month to pay the State $779,913.93 in a lawsuit filed against them. The state alleged the company enticed consumers to buy so-called comprehensive coverage for crucial home systems and appliances and then denied their claims using alleged deceptive practices. As part of the settlement, the company also agreed to revise its business practices and retain a compliance monitor for at least a year.

Neither company is a member of the NHSCA.

“No matter what the industry, there will always be companies that operate beyond the law and fail to meet their obligations,” Art Chartrand, legal counsel for the NHSCA, said. “One of our primary missions is to educate and inform homeowners about home service contracts so that expectations can be met fairly. At the NHSCA, we work directly with state regulators and have a near constant presence in each state capital to protect consumers and provide fair and honest competition.”

The home service contract industry has a strong reputation and long history of serving consumers. As with any industry, not all companies grow and flourish. Selecting a NHSCA member company provides added security with the knowledge that your contract provider meets certain criteria that will help ensure they will be there when you need them. Using a non-NHSCA member is a risk consumers do not need to take. Consumers may locate NHSCA members operating in their state by visiting www.homeservicecontract.org/state-associations

The New Jersey Home Service Contract State Association was formed as a division of the National Home Service Contract Association and represents the premier and most respected providers of home service contracts in New Jersey. It provides news, information, education, regulation and legislation resource for the industry.

In 2013, consumers contracted with members of the NHSCA received over one billion dollars in benefits. Members include: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, American Home Shield Corporation, Fidelity National Home Warranty Company, First American Home Buyers Protection, HMS/National Cross Country Home Services, Inc., Home Security of America, Inc., Home Warranty of America, Inc., HomeGuard Home Warranty, Inc., Landmark Home Warranty, National Home Guaranteed Inc., Nations Home Warranty, Old Republic Home Protection Co. Inc., OneGuard Home Warranties, The Warranty Group and Universal Home Protection.

Here are a few items to consider when selecting your contract provider:

  • If the price or benefits sound too good to be true – you know it likely will be. Visit the NHSCA website and contact a member in your state to compare price and benefits.
  • Ask your local REALTOR®. Nobody is more familiar with or understands the industry better. They work with home service contract providers on a daily basis and can offer knowledgeable guidance.
  • If despite your best efforts, your provider disappears or fails to perform, contact a member of the NHSCA to replace your coverage. Competitive members operate in all states and are ready, willing and above all, able to offer you a service contract on your house.

Home service contracts are optional contracts that provide consumers with a single point of contact for most household appliances and systems. A call to an 800 number dispatches a screened, licensed and qualified local contractor to your home. This eliminates having to shop-around or price compare at what could be a very stressful time. With one call, consumers receive the service, repair or replacement needed to keep their home running smoothly.

To learn more about the NHSCA and to find answers to the most common questions regarding the purchase of home service contracts, visit www.homeservicecontract.org

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About the NHSCA The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States.

 

 

 

NHSCA Sits Down with Kevin O’Connor of This Old House

 

National TV Personality Provides Great Tips to Maintain a Happy and Healthy Home

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kevin O’Connor, host of This Old House on PBS recently sat down with the Kansas City chapter of the National Home Service Contract Association to discuss tips for homeowners.

Nominated for an “Outstanding Service Show Host” Emmy Award in his debut season, Kevin O’Connor has been appearing as host of the Emmy Award-winning series, This Old House, and the Emmy-nominated series, Ask This Old House, since 2003. He also serves on the editorial board of This Old House magazine, published by This Old House Ventures, Inc. Along with Amy Matthews, Kevin is also the host of This New House, which premiered on the DIY Network in the summer of 2010.

A home service contract/warranty is a contract for service, repair or replacement. It has features and benefits that clearly differentiate it from builder’s and product warranties and insurance. Prompt attention, qualified service providers and peace of mind, and protection from unexpected, and often-expensive repair bills, are primary benefits of home service contracts.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#16

 

Before the Guests Arrive: A Home Appliance Checkup

Ovens and air conditioners can fail at the worst possible times. Don’t be the horror story shared by friends and family the next twenty years.

In a recent television segment, the NHSCA shows how to prepare the appliances in your kitchen so they’ll be ready for all the food and frolic when your house guests arrive. Learn tips on how to keep the garbage disposal fresh and clog-free and keeping your oven clean while preparing for big holiday or special event meals. Lots of dirty dishes? We have some important information to help you keep your dishwasher running better and getting your dishes cleaner. There is also helpful information on keeping your furnace filter clean so that your home heats efficiently and your furnace lasts longer.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#14

Understanding Home Service Contract Terminology

National Home Service Contract Association defines terms for homeowners, regulators and the media to keep things straight.

(Lenexa, Ks) The purchase of a home may be the largest investment individuals and families will make in their lifetime.  A number of products, such as home service contracts, insurance, builder’s and other warranties exist to help homeowners protect that investment. The key to their effectiveness, is gaining a clear understanding of various industry terms.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA), a non-profit trade association, is dedicated to educating consumers, regulators and the media so that they clearly understand the the home service contract industry. Clearly defining each is the best place to start.

Home service contract/warranty

  • A home service contract provides service, repair or replacement due to normal wear and tear on major, built-in household appliances and systems. Most cover items such as dishwashers, ovens, wiring and plumbing systems and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Many contract providers also offer a menu of optional items such as pool pumps, spas and free standing appliances such as refrigerators and clothing washers and dryers for an additional fee. Rural homeowners may also elect to add septic tanks or well pumps.
  • At an average cost of $550 a year, contracts historically renew annually.  In recent years, many providers have begun to also offer coverage on a month-to-month basis.
  • Contract providers maintain a toll-free service call line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the convenience of their customers. Dispatch of a trusted local service provider usually occurs within 3-5 business days. Most provide expedited service for true emergencies such as breakdowns that affect life, health or safety.
  • Service calls average approximately $75 and protect the homeowner’s pocketbook as some repairs and replacements have the potential to run thousands of dollars with no contract in place.

Builder’s home warranty

  • As stated above, a home service contract is a renewable agreement for the service, repair or replacement of major, built-in household appliances and systems on existing homes due to normal wear and tear.
  • A builder’s home warranty is very different. These warranties, provided by the builder on a new home, are designed to offer coverage on the actual workmanship and materials used in the home’s construction.

Product and extended warranties

  • Retailers and manufacturers frequently offer warranties on the purchase of on the goods – such as electronics and automobiles – they make and sell directly to the public through retailers.
  • These new product warranties are generally active for a limited time to safeguard against existing defects in the product.
  • Extended warranties are just that – warranties that extend beyond the original warranty period. At purchase retailers may offer to extend a new product warranty for an additional price.
  • These new product or “retail” warranties are part of a separate industry, aside from the home service contracts/warranties.

Insurance

  • There is little similarity between home service contracts and insurance.
  • Insurance protects a homeowner against partial or total damage or loss to the structure itself or possessions in the home. Insurance protects against sudden and fortuitous events such as fire, wind, hail, theft, collision or other accidents.
  • Insurance does not cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, while service contracts do. The two products complement each other – they do not overlap.
  • Homeowner’s insurance also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property.
  • If a tree falls on the exterior air conditioning unit of a home, it’s covered by insurance. If an air conditioner stops blowing cold air, it is covered by a home service contract/warranty.
  • In most states, it is not legal for a home service contract to cover anything which could be covered by insurance unless a specific legal exemption exisits.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry, media and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#01

NHSCA Members Serve and Protect Homeowners When Others Fall Short

National Home Service Contract Association members provide consumers over a billion dollars in benefits annually.

(Lenexa, KS)  Contracts are only as dependable as the providers behind them. The members of the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) stand behind the home service contracts they provide millions of consumers each year. NHSCA member providers are often able to assist those who unfortunately find themselves contracted with a less than “stand-up” provider.

Consumers contracted with members of the NHSCA receive over a billion dollars in benefits every year.

NHSCA members are registered and are easily identified through a NHSCA Company Code number and use of the NHSCA logo. Links to individual websites may be found on the NHSCA website at www.homeservicecontract.org/contact-nhsca-members.  These are providers who adhere to a code of ethics and actively work with state regulators to protect consumer interests.

The home service contract industry has a strong foundation and long history of serving consumers. As with any industry, not all companies grow and flourish. Selecting a NHSCA member company provides the security of knowing that your contract provider will be there when you need them. Using a non-NHSCA member is a risk consumers do not need to take.

Here are a few items to consider when selecting your contract provider:

  • If the price or benefits sound too good to be true –you know it likely will be. Visit the NHSCA website and contact a member in your state to compare price and benefits.
  • Inquire about monthly contracts or a monthly-based renewal of the contract that came with your house.
  • Ask your local REALTOR®. Nobody is more familiar with or understands the industry better. They work with home service contract providers on a daily basis and can offer knowledgeable guidance.

If despite your best efforts, your provider disappears or fails to perform, contact a member of the NHSCA to apply to replace your coverage. Competitive members operate in all states and are ready, willing and above all, able to offer you a service contract plan on your house. Many now offer monthly payment plans.

Home service contracts are optional contracts that provide consumers with a single point of contact for most household appliances and systems. A call to an 800 number dispatches a screened, licensed and qualified local plumber, electrician or technician to your home. This eliminates having to shop-around or price compare at what could be a very stressful time. With one call, consumers receive the service, repair or replacement needed to keep their home running smoothly.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#02

Buying Beats Renting in Most of America

We know that buying a home is overall cheaper than renting in most major metros, but now there is evidence that buying a home is a better financial decision than renting for homebuyers who plan to stay in their home for at least two years in half of all U.S. markets. Read more, click here

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#12

CONSIDER AGE OF APPLIANCES AND SYSTEMS WHEN PURCHASING A HOME

 

Cost of service and repair can be costly according to the National Home Service Contract Association. A home service contract is a good option.

(Lenexa, KS) — There are many items to consider when purchasing an existing home. Many buyers, especially those in the market for their first home, look at the sale price to determine if they can afford to buy. The National Home Service Contract Association, the industry trade organization serving home service contract providers and consumer interests, strong suggests that consumers factor in the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of major appliances and homes systems when budgeting for a home.  Knowing the “life expectancy” of those systems is key.

Take for example an air conditioning system. Most AC systems have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. If you are considering the purchase of a home that is over 15 years old, with the original system, you could be living on borrowed time. Three years or three months? Who knows? It’s a guessing game, but the only thing that is often certain is that when it does go, it will be at the most inopportune time. Considering that the average cost to replace and install an average air conditioning system is $4,500 – $6,500, doing a little upfront research is a pretty good idea.

You can protect yourself from many of these budget busters by purchasing a home service contract form a member of the NHSCA.

The following is a list of averages for many of the appliances and electronic systems in your home based on the most recent research from The National Association of Home Builders:

  • gas ranges – 15 years
  • dryers and refrigerators – 13 years
  • washers – 10 years
  • compactors – 6 years
  • dishwashers – 9 years
  • microwave ovens – 9 years
  • HVAC – 15-20 years
  • furnaces – 15-20 years
  • tankless water heaters – 20 years
  • electric or gas water heater  – 10 years
  • heat pumps -16 years
  • air conditioning – 10 to 15years
  • garage doors – 10 to 15 years

Home service contracts provide service, repair or even replacement on a home’s major systems and appliances. At an average range of $350 – $550 for a year, these contracts typically cover items such as heating systems, interior plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. Other items such as pools, spas and septic tanks may be added at an additional fee. As always, we suggest you consult with your real estate agent for guidance.

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#03

 

 

Tips on Winterizing Your Home

 

Take a few minutes to read and make sure you have properly winterized your home.

The NHSCA contributed to a terrific article on SheKnows.com 
Read the entire (original and unedited) SheKnows.com by Rolla Bahsous online here.

winterizing-your-home

How to get your home ready for the cold season
If you’ve already pulled out your winter coat and put snow tires on your car, there’s still one thing you’re missing before the cold weather hits. Most people completely overlook the few simple steps needed to winterize a house. It’s important to remember that while home service contracts generally provide service, repair or replacement for the major built-in appliances and systems in your home – such as dishwashers, electrical and plumbing systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems  – regular maintenance is still very important.

  1. Self-check your heater and HVAC

Turn the heat on and be sure that all the rooms in your home are getting enough heat through the vents. Check and change your HVAC (furnace) air  filters.  “Many of us think of changing our furnace filters just once or twice a year, yet experts say we should replace them every month during the heating season,” says Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert.

  1. Schedule a professional furnace maintenance visit.

A furnace tune-up not only includes cleaning that keeps your furnace running efficiently, but it also catches small problems before they turn into big problems that can not only cause inconvenience and discomfort. An annual maintenance contract from a local, trusted HVAC company is also a great idea. They will not repair or replace broken units like a home service contract, but they go a long way to keeping your home running happy and healthy.

  1. Check batteries and update your fire and CO detectors.

Check and replace all batteries as needed. Don’t forget a good quality carbon monoxide detector in your bedroom and near your gas heater and/or gas water heater.  Even a small problem can lead to gas leaking into your home or dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. Be mindful, many  detectors typically need to be replaced every five to seven years. 

  1. Get the fireplace ready

If you have a fireplace, be sure it’s ready by ensuring the chimney is clean. If you have burned a few cords of wood, having a professional chimney sweep is mandatory. If you don’t have a fireplace but wish to have the cozy ambience, check out some faux fireplace units at your local décor store. Some of these fireplaces are designed to emit heat in addition to the “fire” display.

  1. Check your gutters

Letting leaves pile up in the gutter can cause big problems any time of year, and in cold weather especially. The NHSCA says, “During winter months, leaves can potentially cause melting ice and snow to backup into your attic, and even your basement. Be sure to pay particular attention to gutters that have branches directly over them. Not all trees shed their leaves at the same time so you may need to check the gutters in both the fall and early winter.”

  1. Check your windows

To keep warmth inside your home, inspect all windows and make sure there aren’t any cracks where heat may escape. It might be wise to cover all your windows facing North with a plastic sheet. You can find these at your local hardware store and the cost far outweighs the heating saving you’ll gain by covering your windows. Pella Corporation, the leading manufacturer and designer of windows, doors, blinds and shades for homes and commercial buildings, also recommends clearing windowsills of dirt and debris since pre-winter window cleaning is one task most homeowners overlook: “Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.”

  1. Check the outside of your house

If you haven’t eyeballed your home’s exterior in a few months or more, now’s the perfect time to reassess at the start of a new season. Before that first snowfall, Pella Corporation recommends repairing or replacing damaged exterior surfaces that could expose your home’s interior to the outside elements. Pella Corporation advises, “Cracked or deteriorated wood on the roof or near the foundation is typically associated with water penetration and may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.”

  1. Remove leaves around your outside HVAC unit.

The HVAC unit is likely your home’s largest operating system. The compressor part of your air conditioner is located on the exterior of your home and can become inefficient with debris and leaves blocking it. You can even use a wet dry vacuum or your hands to remove the debris from the bottom for manual cleaning. Wear gloves if using your hands for manual cleaning and turn off your main breaker first – just to be safe.

  1. Turn off exterior faucets

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s also one of the easiest home winterizing tips to overlook — because it’s so simple. According to the NHSCA, “Un-drained water in pipes can freeze, which will cause pipes to burst as the ice expands.” The NHSCA recommends, “Start by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining the water that remains in faucets. If you don’t have frost-proof faucets (homes more than 10 to 15 years old typically do not), turn off the shut-off valve inside your home.

  1. Install a programmable thermostat

To keep home temperatures regulated and energy costs to a minimum, we recommend installing a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures when the house is empty and warm it up again in the morning. We have used and love the internet controlled NEST brand which retails for about $199.00. However cheaper models are available that work fine. Woroch says, “You can pick one up for as little as $20 and save an average of 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bill. Since some of these are expensive, look for deals to save money on programmable thermostats and other home energy products.”

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913871-5600.

 #10a

                                                            

Even in a Seller’s Market, the Value of a Home Service Contract Remains Strong

 

Lenexa, KS – When sales in the residential real estate market grow, often resulting in a shift towards a sellers’ market in many areas, no one should forget the basic economics of selling or owning a home. The National Home Service Contract Association reminds home buyers that the true cost of home ownership extends well beyond the sale price.

A home service contract provides needed peace of mind and budget protection at a time when they need it most, during the first year of home ownership. They also protect the seller and the seller’s agent from an unhappy and frustrated buyer who encounters a significant repair right after closing.

Home service contracts generally provide service, repair or replacement for items such as dishwashers, ovens, disposers, electrical and plumbing systems and most importantly, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), which may become inoperable due to normal wear and use. Coverage does not include preexisting conditions. At an average cost of $400 – $550 a year and service calls ranging from $50-$100, a home service contract can easily pay for itself with just one use, and is one reason they are highly recommended by real estate brokers for both the seller and buyer of a home.

There are many ‘unexpected’ expenses that add to the cost of home ownership – especially during the first year according to national data and the NHSCA.  Jeff Powell, President of First American Home Protections says “We all love those ‘do it yourself’ television shows but the reality is that there are many home repair or replacement projects that occur in that first year which can, and should, only be done by a skilled professional. The true cost of owning a home includes items such as maintenance and repair. The average cost for those items in the first year of home ownership is roughly 1% to 2% of the purchase price. That can really cause a burden to homeowners who have just made what is likely the biggest purchase of their life. That is where a home service contract can really protect a homeowner’s bank account and provide peace of mind.”

The national median existing single-family home price for the first quarter of 2016 was $234,000. That translates to potential maintenance and repair bills ranging from $2340 to $4680 and higher. That figure is for maintenance and repair alone, and doesn’t even include items such as a major system replacement, insurance, property taxes, utilities, lawn care, pest control, or the purchase of new items such as furniture. 

“Even in a sellers’ market, home sellers still can set their home apart from the rest by providing such coverage,” Powell said. “And home buyers still need and want to safeguard their budget. Why leave anything to chance when it’s a win-win for all parties involved?”

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry, media and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#04a

Popular Mechanics – How to Get the Most From Your Home Warranty

While written in April 2013, this advice from PM is pretty much timeless.

Suppose someone is considering buying a home…READ MORE

The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry, media  and consumer information, visit  https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.

#13